TO THE COMMITTED EDUCATORS OF OUR INDUSTRY
-HOTEL/HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY-
I SALUTE YOUR EFFORTS TO PREPARE
PROFESSIONALS FOR THE INDUSTRY.
We are referred to by several names; professors, lecturers, facilitators, instructors, teachers, coaches etc., depending on the institution we find ourselves, imparting knowledge to students/learners who have chosen to pursue careers in the hotel/hospitality industry.
I will have the privilege of hosting a few of my ‘colleagues’, on this platform this first quarter of the year, 2019.
Teaching changes the lives of those who are committed to it.
I had worked briefly in a hotel in Ghana before leaving its shores to study Hotel Management/Hospitality Administration.
My first job when I returned was with the then Ghana Tourist Board, now Ghana Tourism Authority as a Trainer. I enjoyed identifying training needs in industry, developing and implementing tailored training programs. I wanted to impart knowledge to the next generation but I did not realize how difficult it was, particularly in this environment. I enjoyed it, nevertheless.
In this industry, teaching involves imparting knowledge, skills and attitudes simultaneously to learners. It is an art that takes practice and dedication to master. It takes patience, empathy and above all passion to care for each student/learner, understand their abilities and to uncover their hidden potentials.
In my days (of teaching), students looked up to us, educators; not only because of our expertise but also, largely because we came from industry, and we ‘walked our talk’, bringing industry to the classroom in our mannerisms and everything we did.
I will be presenting dialogues/interviews with a number of educators, focusing on issues related to our major theme, ‘bridging the gap between industry and education’ in upcoming articles.